Agony Ride 2017

The numbers are in. 77 riders. 16,446* miles ridden. $185,160 pledged for CEM. God’s protection was evident this year as ominous clouds broke forth with heavy rain just hours after the ride, a lightning strike igniting a nearby hillside. Temperatures were moderate throughout the ride and no major injuries were sustained. We watched our Agony community grow as seasoned riders recruited family and friends for the cause, our first-time riders equalling one-fourth of the rider total.

Gary Robinson took the lead this year coming in at 380 miles, with Ruth Welch and Carol Douglass heading up the female riders at 304 miles. Jonathan Palmer broke the record for most money raised in a single ride by an individual at $13,201.

When I first started, I was being a brat...I was being really selfish for a lot of it. Then God stopped me for a second. He said, “Look around.” I saw people taking care of all these riders...And I wanted to cry. I didn’t get why all these people were doing this just for us...It really just touched me how all of you riders loved us and believe in us and have hope in us when other people don’t have hope in us...
​- Kalani, student 

We’re grateful for all the time, energy, and countless resources poured into the ride by hundreds of people, and we can’t thank you enough for investing in our mission of tending lives and training leaders. ​

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The first year I rode, I was hooked…I’m here because of the students. I’m here because of the Ranch and what it stands for. I’m here because of this body of believers and this church brotherhood we have in the Agony. I’m here because of what God has called me to at this point in my life. I’m here because of what I want to see God do. I’m here because of what Jesus has done in me. I’m here because of Christ. And yet I’m here because of each one of you.
- Rob Thornton, 5th time rider 

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I was going to call it “The Fellowship of the Ride” - it’s not just the people on the bike, it’s the saggers, it’s the character of each SAG station, it’s the people you see, the encouragement you get, the people filling your water bottle for you. Many times as Christians we’re hesitant to have people serve us. And just somebody taking my bike and rubbing my neck, just has a profound effect.
​- Aaron Tonissen, 8th time rider 

​It was an interesting experience for me because I have never been a part of something so good...I felt blessed because I was a part of something so amazing. This place for me, in the short time I’ve been here, has totally rearranged how I think about a lot of things and it’s blessed me. Thank you guys for making that possible.
​- Kalah, student 

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*Please Note: The original article erroneously stated that 17,126 miles were ridden.